Godfrey woman pleads guilty to animal cruelty charge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Godfrey, ON (May 10, 2018) – A woman from Godfrey, Ontario has been convicted of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act as a result of an investigation relating to dogs in her care.

Lorraine Loudon pled guilty on April 23, 2018 in a Kingston Provincial Offences Court to failing to provide adequate and appropriate sanitary conditions. The Justice of the Peace sentenced Loudon to two years probation during which time she must not live with, have custody, care or control of any more than 15 dogs or puppies. She is also subject to two annual unannounced inspections by Ontario SCPA officers during her probation.

On April 10, 2017, the Ontario SPCA executed a warrant at a residence in Godfrey after receiving a concern about the welfare of animals on the property. Officers discovered 75 dogs and puppies, most of which were living in unsanitary conditions, some without access to clean, potable water. Orders were issued under the Ontario SPCA Act to improve the living conditions of the animals.

“With resources available to help people who are unable to care for their pets, there really is no excuse when it comes to neglecting to care for your animals,” says Bonnie Bishop, Senior Inspector, Ontario SPCA. “If you find yourself in a position where you can’t care for your animals, contact your local Ontario SPCA Animal Centre or Humane Society to discuss your options.”

Protecting animals since 1873, the Ontario SPCA is Ontario's animal welfare organization. A registered charity, the Society is comprised of close to 50 Communities.

Since 1919, when Ontario's first animal welfare legislation was proclaimed, the Ontario SPCA, with the help of its Communities, has been entrusted to maintain and enforce animal welfare legislation. The Act provides Ontario SPCA agents and inspectors with police powers to do so.